Wednesday, November 25, 2015

I'd like to take this opportunity to express my deepest and most profound gratitude and thanks to my customers, clients, followers on social media, and all those who support my work as an entertainer, artist, and professional speaker. Without all of you, I couldn't do this work that I love. My warmest wishes to you and yours on this Thanksgiving.

Thursday, November 19, 2015

I aspire to practice "thanks-giving" each and every day. On News 25 Today earlier this morning...

With Thanksgiving only a week away, recently I've given a lot of thought to how we experience the symbols of gratitude and of value in our lives.

For example, our currency, such as a dollar bill, is a symbol of value. But it has no real value in and of itself. The only value that it has is in our agreement that it will represent the real value of our time, our service, and of our material resources.

Some people would say that it's having these things that makes us grateful. But I would contend that the opposite is true. It's only in being grateful that we ever truly receive.

Because without gratitude, we can never fully experience the true value in our lives. Without gratitude, we can never make room for more in our lives.

In that sense, gratitude is actually a creative power. Gratitude actually allows us to create even more abundance in our lives.

So it's become very important to me that I express appreciation for the many blessings in my life: my family, my friends, my fans and clients, and the opportunity to share real magic of all kinds with so many others.

No matter how we say it, in whatever language we use, there is a profound power to the simple experience of Thanks.

Friday, October 16, 2015

Are you planning a holiday party or other event in the near future? Would you like to add something absolutely unforgettable and fun for your guests, but without the need for special staging, setup, or any of the normal constraints of a live entertainment show? Strolling close up magic can be a great choice for these types of situations.

A skilled close up magician (and if you're reading this, you know where to look!) can create astounding, personalized experiences that will have your guests literally raving about the great time they had at your event. Close up magic requires no particular setting, no staging, PA, or microphone. The only requirements are people--in a setting where they can have a conversation--and a skilled close up magician (that's me!).

It's terrific for when people are first arriving at an event, during a cocktail or social hour, before or after dinner, at receptions, hospitality suites, during a break in a meeting, or in any other situation where you want people to enjoy simply having a good time. It's also a great icebreaker and conversation starter, and especially at events where your guests may not all know one another, it gets them talking and interacting in lively and fun ways.

To hear more about how strolling close up magic can create the WOW factor for your events, get in touch with me right away!

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

That's tomorrow, October 15 at sometime around 5:50 AM. Regular viewers will know. Others should tune in... It's my monthly appearance: News 25 Today with Garry and Gina, and this month I'm promoting National Magic Week October 25--31, and National Magic Day on October 31, as well as my regular Friday and Saturday night appearances at New Amsterdam on the Peoria riverfront. Set your alarm, tell the neighbors, alert the media, and be sure to check it out!

Friday, September 18, 2015

Join me for my incredible magic, terrific food, and fun, upbeat atmosphere at New Amsterdam Bar and Restaurant on the Peoria riverfront. I'm there tonight and tomorrow night (Fridays and Saturdays) from 6:00 to 8:30 PM. Then stick around for the terrific music of Greg Williams (no relation, that I'm aware of). Hope to see you there!

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

I'm excited to announce that I've just been featured in an article in an internationally recognized blog on the "Law of Attraction" called Tryary. You can read the article here:
"33 Unique Ways To Raise Your Vibration".

Monday, August 24, 2015

I began working a new venue this past Friday evening: New Amsterdam Bar & Restaurant on the Peoria riverfront. And it went so well that we've decided to expand my schedule to Saturday nights as well. So stop by Fridays and Saturdays from 6:00 to 8:30 PM to see my astounding tableside close up magic in this exciting nightspot!

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

I'm excited to say that today, Tuesday, August 18, I'm the featured Inspirational Luminary on InspireMeToday.com, sharing my wisdom with the world. This FREE website is one to bookmark!

Inspire
Me Today features the inspiration of a new Luminary every day, and today it's me! Other luminaries that have been featured include Sir Richard Branson, Guy Laliberte,
Seth Godin, Neale Donald Walsch, Marci Shimoff. I'm honored to be with such esteemed company!

Please visit the site today, while my article is live, and help me inspire the world. If my traffic and comments break records, InspireMeToday.com will share my content with millions of additional
people too! I hope you'll check it out, leave a comment and share it with your friends.

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

The 1 Million Cups Peoria website has just posted the video of my talk from this past May. If you haven't seen it, you can check it out HERE. I also just got news that Startup Peoria, the group that hosts and organizes the 1 Million Cups events locally has just merged forces with the Peoria Economic Development Council. Interesting developments for the local entrepreneurial community.

Monday, August 10, 2015

I'm excited to announce a few public appearances coming up this week and next.

Get up early tomorrow morning and watch for me on WMBD-TV's This Morning program. I should be on shortly after 6:30 AM sometime.

This coming Saturday, August 15, I'll be appearing at Northwoods Mall in Peoria for their "Back-to-School" event. I'll be strolling the mall floor, surprising shoppers with my close up sleight of hand magic. Stop by and have some fun!

Beginning on August 21, I'll be performing tableside close up magic for customers at New Amsterdam Bar and Restaurant on the Peoria riverfront, Friday evenings from 6:00 to 8:30 PM. This schedule may be changing after the 21st, so stay tuned for updates.

Monday, July 20, 2015

Well, I wasn't sure we'd get this one, but three cheers to the folks at TV 25 for going the extra mile to get this video of my appearance from last Thursday up in it's entirety. Here's the Facebook video of Garry, Maddie, and me having some "Independence Day Fun". I thought this was a great spot. Enjoy!

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

They refer to me as "Central Illinois' favorite magician". That's right, the third Thursday of the month is almost here, and that means so is my next appearance on News 25 Today on WEEK-TV with Garry Moore and Gina Morss. Tune in around 5:50 AM this Thursday, July 16 and see what I've got in store for you and for them!

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

That's right! That's me! Tomorrow morning on News 25 Today, WEEK-TV around 5:50 AM. Tune in to see what I have in store for Garry and Gina and why they refer to me as "Central Illinois' favorite magician."

Friday, May 29, 2015

Thinking about the Holidays now? I know it's not even June yet, but as I'm always recommending, if your company wants to have a truly awesome employee holiday party, you need to plan ahead early. Here' s an article I just found that echoes much of the advice I've given consistently over the years, including the importance of getting started with planning as soon as possible: "Six tips to help you plan a successful corporate Christmas party" Enjoy!

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

It's a little last minute, but I just learned that I'll be doing a presentation on my inspirational speaking business tomorrow morning at 1 Million Cups Peoria. It's taking place at the Peoria Art Guild at 9:00 AM. 1 Million Cups (1MC) is "a simple way to engage entrepreneurs in communities around the world", and is hosted locally by Startup Peoria. Stop by and have a free cup of coffee!

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

That's right, you early risers, tomorrow is my monthly appearance. What's better than magic with your morning news as you get ready for work. I should be on around 5:50 AM. News 25 Today with Garry Moore and Gina Morss.

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

“You may tell a tale that takes up residence in someone's soul,
becomes their blood and self and purpose. That tale will move them and
drive them and who knows what they might do because of it, because of
your words. That is your role, your gift.”

Monday, March 30, 2015

As many of you will
know, Tyroni's Italian Cafe in Bartonville has been a regular
performance spot for me for the past nine years. Starting this month,
we'll be making some changes in my schedule there.

So please note that if you were planning to come see me at what would have been my normal spot this Wednesday, April 1, I won't be there.

Rather than the same
monthly spot I've been doing for some time, I'll be appearing on
"special-event nights" that will be announced through the Tyroni's website and mailing list. I'll also be announcing my dates here on my blog, on my Facebook page, and my other social media. Stay tuned for further updates for specific dates and times...

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Here's a LINK to my latest newsletter. And if you'd like to be on my email list to receive my newsletters directly and keep abreast of my latest activities, visit my RESOURCE PAGE to sign up where it says "Free Ebook".

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

If you're planning an event at which you'll be selling tickets, you'll want to know about a great new online ticketing solution called EveryEventGives.com. Not only do they offer all the same services at the same price as the leading online ticket provider, but they also donate $0.50 out of every ticket sold to the charity of your choice. And they're constantly adding new event services and resources, so make sure you check them out! A great way to simplify your event planning and give something back to a worthwhile cause.

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Would you like to wow your friends by winning an astounding free magic show
from yours truly? I'm currently seeking to develop relationships with a
couple of new restaurants for regular close up magic performances and
in-house promotions. And you can help! I do have a few candidate restaurants that I'm talking with now, but I'm looking for other ideas as well.

Here's the Contest:
Do
you know someone who owns a restaurant that would like to dramatically
increase their repeat business? Or can you think of a restaurant where
you'd like to see me perform? If you suggest a restaurant and your suggestion turns into a regular performance spot for me, I'll treat you and your guests to my Close up Magic Show (ideal for small, intimate groups... and is guaranteed to blow them away!), and it's on me!

My restaurant magic promotions are geared to help the right restaurants increase their business, generate powerful word-of-mouth advertising, and leave customers absolutely raving about the great time they had, and just dying to tell their friends about it. In addition to my unforgettable magic and my ability to make customers feel they've been treated like royalty, I also provide a variety of valuable promotional tools, publicity, and marketing services. It's literally a no-brainer PR, marketing, and promotional campaign, all at a price that's ridiculously affordable for what I offer.

Ideal Restaurant Candidates:

Within 40 miles of Canton (could include Peoria, Morton, Macomb, Galesburg, East Peoria, Pekin, etc., etc.)

A fun, friendly atmosphere bar and grill, sports bar restaurant, or other similar entertainment-oriented eatery. Family-friendly but with a bar crowd can also work.

Prefer locally owned, but chains with strong local ties might also work well.

Should have a strong, loyal following but with some room for improvement.

Preferred customer base: upper middle income, professionals.

So have you got the perfect place in mind? Think you've got that free show all sewn up? EMAIL ME your suggestions today! Send as many suggestions as you like, and if one of them turns into a new performance relationship for me, you'll get that FREE CLOSE UP MAGIC SHOW!

Winners will be announce here on my blog, as well as on my Facebook page and other social media sites.

Monday, March 9, 2015

Several police officers called to the scene of an accident in the Spanish Fork River in Utah all claimed they heard a mysterious voice calling them to rescue a toddler from a car submerged in water.
Here's a link to the FULL STORY.

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Mindfulness practices and meditation have recently become quite popular for stress relief and a variety of other health-related benefits. Mindfulness simply means the practice of paying attention to the experience of the present moment. Being mindful can simply entail stepping back mentally and noticing the specific elements of your present moment experience, paying attention to thoughts, feelings, sensations, and other aspects of present moment awareness. (As opposed to getting lost in mind wandering and being caught up in a focus on past, future, worry, anxiety, judgement, guilt, and other negative mental and emotional states.)

The magic of mindfulness practice is that it allows us to fully appreciate whatever we are experiencing right this moment, and brings peace of mind and a much healthier state. While this might seem a bit abstract, it also has some very practical applications as well.

Over the past several weeks, I've used a form of
mindfulness meditation to significantly reduce and manage some rather severe flu
symptoms. Over the holidays we spent a lot of time with family members in intimate, enclosed spaces, many of whom were battling the flu bug that's been going around. My immune system apparently succumbed to the constant contact, and I came down with a really nasty case of the flu.

I began experiencing a hacking cough, fever, nausea and upset
stomach, and a splitting headache. In practicing mindfulness, in each case, I simply discipline myself to
relax and pay attention to the particular discomfort, becoming aware of it as a
sensation in my body, and also similarly become aware of my breathing and how it
feels in my body as I take each inhalation and exhalation.

Even my seemingly relentless coughing has been calmed by this approach.
Almost without exception, as I become aware of the discomfort, I begin to
realize that without being fully aware of it, I've been "resisting" the pain or
discomfort. For example as I experience the nearly unavoidable need to begin
coughing my brains out, as I begin to pay closer attention to what I'm feeling
in my body, I notice that I'm resisting the coughing by constricting the muscles
in my chest, abdominals, and lower back, and that as I become aware of this, I
can also feel that the tension itself has significantly increased my need to
cough. As I become more aware of the tension I'm holding, I'm able to release
it, my breathing becomes less constricted, and my need to cough decreases, sometimes even going away entirely.

With the headaches, I also focus very specifically on the exact location
and sensation of the pain and discomfort. Almost without exception, I find
areas where I'm resisting and holding tension, often in my facial muscles, neck, shoulders, etc., and to the degree that I can
locate them and just "notice" them rather than resisting, I'm able to relax and
relieve the discomfort.

The same is true with the other symptoms as well.

I've written briefly about a similar experience with this in my book: A
Call to Magic - the Artful Science of Transforming Self and World. http://bookShow.me/147932034X

Try this practice the next time you have a headache or other discomfort and see if you can learn to relieve your own symptoms through mindfulness. It's certainly been a magical practice for me.

Monday, March 2, 2015

This Wednesday is the day -- you know the one -- the day you can see my astounding magic at Tyroni's in Bartonville. The last two months have been bad weather, so if you've missed me, be sure to be there this Wednesday, March 4. I'll be there from 5:00 to 7:30 PM. Hope to see you then!

Thursday, February 12, 2015

One immutable aspect of the true magic that we humans embody lies in the fact that so
long as we still experience dissatisfaction or any form of unhappiness
about any of the circumstances in our lives, we will continue to
attract and manifest situations and circumstances to be unhappy and
dissatisfied about.

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

"When you came into this world you cried, whereas everyone else rejoiced.
During your lifetime, work and serve in such a way that when it is time
for you to leave this world, you will smile at parting while the world
cries for you. Hold this thought and you will always remember to
consider others above yourself."

Monday, February 2, 2015

Wednesday is my monthly appearance at Tyroni's Italian Cafe in Bartonville. I'll be there from 5:00 to 7:30 PM. Last month was cancelled due to the weather, so make sure you get your Tyroni's magic fix this time around.

This Saturday, February 7 I'll be performing at the "Thank You Festival" at Five Points in Washington, an event honoring the Washington and surrounding area emergency responders for their work before, during and
after the Nov. 17, 2013 tornado. It's free admission, they have free food, and lots of fun activities for the whole family. For more INFO.

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Just got off the phone with Tyler Barnes, owner at Tyroni's in Bartonville, and he's decided to give me the night off. Apparently no one's moving around out there much, and they're calling for wind chills tonight of -30 F, so he thought it would be best to let me stay home.

So you'll just have to wait 'til next month to get your Tyroni's Magic Night fix! Hope to see you the first Wednesday in February.

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

The weather outside may be frightful, but the magic and food is delightful. It's a new year, and it's also time to check out Magical First Wednesday at Tyroni's. It's well worth braving the cold: warm, friendly atmosphere; hot, delicious Italian cuisine; and the warm, inspiring wonder of my magic. You can't go wrong with that! Tomorrow, Wednesday, January 7 from 5:00 to 7:30 PM.

About Me

I'm a full time professional magician and inspirational speaker, and have been fortunate to perform across the US, Canada, and in four other countries. I thrive on approaching magic, entertainment, and education as artistically and as passionately as I can. I love being inspired, bringing that inspiration to my work, and sharing it with others. I believe magic is a great source of inspiration, wonder, and finding the child within each of us.